Marrs said earlier this month at a news conference from Philip's home that First Chicago Insurance was first contacted after the crash because the accident happened in a cab it insures. But, according to Marrs, the company denied coverage because it reportedly is not an approved Michigan no-fault carrier.

In those situations, Marrs said, the next step would be to look for coverage from Philip's own provider, Farm Bureau, which he said originally was going to pay for the medical bills but then rescinded.

Marrs claims that Farm Bureau decided not to insure Hempel because it claims that anyone who drives a vehicle 30 or more days in a year in the state of Michigan is considered owner of that vehicle and is required to have that vehicle licensed, registered and insured.

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But Marrs asserts that would be impossible. He said Hempel does not have an insurable interest in the taxi cab, and that the vehicle was not listed to him, nor was the vehicle registered in Michigan.

Hempel worked as an independent contractor with no ownership in the company or taxi. Marrs called Farm Bureau's actions "predatory" by denying all claims.

Because of Farm Bureau's alleged stance, Marrs also warned drivers -- especially those who live in Indiana -- that if you drive 30 or more days in Michigan, you may need to be covered with a policy of insurance that provides Michigan no-fault coverage.

"I predict that your insurance company, if you are injured in an accident in Michigan, will act as Farm Bureau did and try to find a way to deny you coverage, even though you have a valid policy of insurance with them and even though they may be authorized to do business in Michigan and therefore required to pay no-fault insurance benefits," he said.

Heidi Davis, owner of American Transportation On Time, said it was her knowledge that First Chicago Insurance Co. insured her taxis up to 150 miles.

"They're trying to find loopholes," she said. "I don't know what they're doing with him, honestly. We believed we had the correct coverage.

"It wasn't the driver's fault. What's their argument if he didn't do anything wrong? We're hoping the insurance companies do the right thing. He didn't do anything wrong to deserve this."

First Chicago Insurance did not return phone calls last week seeking comment. Farm Bureau could not be reached for comment after several calls were made.

Moving forward

Marrs said Hempel has a good case against the insurance companies.

"Absolutely, we think we can win," Marrs said. "I think we have a good case."

The case is pending in Berrien County Court.

First Chicago Insurance, meanwhile, has filed a lawsuit against Philip and Farm Bureau, calling for a declaratory judgment action seeking a judge to declare they have no legal responsibility to Philip.

"Their position is they don't pay no-fault benefits," Marrs said.

Marrs said that although First Chicago Insurance is not certified in Michigan, he believes their policy provides extensions of the coverage.

Philip, meanwhile, is still facing an uphill battle. He has already had two surgeries but needs a third on his wrist and a fourth on his left knee. He was in the hospital from Oct. 11 until Nov. 24 recovering from the accident.

He likely won't be back to full strength until the end of the year, or maybe early 2012. He currently is completing physical therapy at the YMCA in Niles, and three times per week he is taken to the Lakeland Rehabilitation Center in St. Joseph.

Philip said it's been tough coping since his crash. The Hempels' business, Blossomtime Bee Supply, cannot support the hefty medical bills.

"You find yourself in a prison," he said. "The person who caused this accident is out living life, with little restraint. I find that a little maddening."